Jenna Kelly Is Just Your Average Small-Town Sniper

Jenna Kelly’s life sounds like the basis of an 80’s song. You know, the ones about a small town girl moving to the big city and becoming a big star.

Jenna went straight from Kentucky to NYC, and her first acting gig was a movie where she played a sniper opposite Bruce Willis. Casual.

When she’s not slaying on screen or on the billboards for brands like Sam Edelman, she’s taking road trips, thrift shopping, and watching basketball. We talked to the up and coming IT Girl about adjusting to the big city life, her fave NYC hot spots, and why sports will always have a place in her heart. Check out the interview and the exclusive photos by her boyfriend Jake Hoffman.

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What’s something most people don’t know about growing up in the south?

That sports are life, at least in Kentucky. From little league to high school, it never stops! The small town sports-community become and remain family and this is something I highly value. I believe in the power of organized sports and a loyal community and truly think it helped shape my adult self. Lots of community love and positivity.

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What was the biggest adjustment you had to make moving from Kentucky to NYC?

Well, there are more people that live in my apartment building than my hometown, so that was (and still is) a little hard to believe sometimes.

According to your IMBD, you’ve appeared in just two movies. Is it true that you launched you acting career with a big film? Or did you start with smaller roles?

I dove in headfirst with acting. One thing led to another and my first role was playing a sniper opposite of Bruce Willis. Now I definitely have the bug and am excited to do more.

What’s the last road trip you took?

Took PCH from LA to San Luis Obispo (about three hours) specifically to stay at the Madonna Inn. If you want to feel like you’re living in a movie, I highly recommend this one. Pink tennis courts, a rock waterfall shower and champagne cake. Yes, please!

My next road trip will hopefully be a drive from NYC to stay at The Greenbrier in West Virginia. I am obsessed with Dorothy Draper (Greenbrier interior designer).

What keeps you busy when you’re in the car for a long time?

Tom Petty, spontaneous stops, and no rules.

What’s the last thing you picked up at a thrift store?

70’s tailor made Rolls Royce bell bottoms with the woman’s initials J.L.H on them….J.L.H, if you’re reading this, I pretend I’m you sometimes.

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What about the most ridiculous thing?

Old beautiful red roller skates. They must weigh 20 pounds. It was a pain in the ass to even carry them home and let’s be honest, I definitely can’t roller-skate but they fit like a glove. Now, I often find myself trucking through JFK with my skates over my shoulder as my carry-on second guessing myself every step of the way.

What was your favorite outfit as a kid and what does it say about who you are now?

Kid Jenna and current Jenna have lots in common. I was always an odd, yet cozy kid. Sweatpants, mismatched socks, oversized everything with a flavor of girly in there somewhere. I was (am) a tomboy riding my four-wheeler at six years old whilst asking my mom to take my photo so I could “pose.” See below:

What movie should everyone see before they get old?

Harold and Maude.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? What’s your dream job now?

As a kid, I wanted to be a prison guard (I have no explanation). In college I even took several Criminology classes and I watched lots of crime documentaries. I am very happy I chose a different career path! My dream job would be to literally be Guy Fieri, hair and all.

What are 5 essentials that you must have in your fridge?

1. Raspberries
2. Chinese delivery leftovers
3. Gourmet mustard
4. A nice bourbon collection on top of my fridge
5. Milk chocolate (thrifty tip: always go candy shopping the day after Valentine’s Day)

What’s your fave NYC place to eat? To shop?

Oh man, this is a tough one. Some of my favorites are NoMad Bar (burger), Hillstone (ribs), Cafe Habana (burrito), Le Bilboquet (chicken), Grey Dog (everything). I’m more of an eater than a shopper, but I do love Vintage Twin for old school denim and tee shirts.

What’s your sign? Do you think you fit the description?

I am a Sagittarius and I believe I fit the description perfectly. I can be a bit hard-headed, not overly emotional, and always ready for the next adventure.



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